Special Awards
What happens on stage is just the tip of the iceberg. It is the work that happens under the water that is rarely seeen but is one of the most important aspects of creating theater.
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The ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence recognizes these unsung heroes with a variety of special awards. Each year theaters are asked to submit candidates for these awards. The applications are then reviewed by our awards committee and the recipients are
recognized in the ceremony. Applications are due by August 15 each year.
Max McQueen Distinguished Service Award
The ariZoni Theater Award of Excellence Max McQueen Distinguished Service Award honors an individual, corporation or organization outside the established theatre community that has contributed either financially or non-traditionally in support of local theater and its further recognition, security and growth in the Valley. The recipient needs to have impacted many and all types of theatres.
Kyle Lawson Outstanding Contribution Award
The Kyle Lawson Outstanding Contribution Award honors an individual from within the theatre community who has served in a profound way through personal investment of time, energy, vision and talent. This award can be bestowed upon administrators, directors, writers, producers, designers, actors, technicians, volunteers, support staff, or any individual involved in theatre who has made a considerable impact on theatre throughout the entire Valley. Past recipients include individuals who have impacted youth, community and professional theater. Judy Rollings, the late David Wo, Helen K. Mason, David Saar, Kyle Lawson, Max McQueen, Val Stasik, David Barker, Ron Hunting, Matthew Weiner and Michael Barnard. All of these individuals have shown great vision for theatre in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and have been of exceptional service to theatre, individuals and the community at large.
Excellence in Stage
Management
The ariZoni Theater Award of Excellence in Stage Management honors a stage, company or production manager within our theatre community who has gone above and beyond their job duties, throughout the course of their body of work. The individual truly exemplifies the best qualities of a stage manager: patience, diplomacy, organization and a sense of humor. See the guidelines for more information.